Sears 917.25049 owner manual Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers, Slope Operation

SAFETY RULES

Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers

IMPORTANT: THiS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OFAMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROWING OBJECTS+

FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS iNJURY OR DEATH+

I.GENERAL OPERATION

•Read, understand, and follow ati instructionstn the manual and on the machine before starting+

III.CHILDREN

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of chiidreno Children are often attracted to the

-Only allow responsible adults, who are famtUar with the instructions,to operate the machine++

•Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc+, which could be picked up and thrown by the blade+

•Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing Stop machine if anyone enters the area+

•Never carry passengers

•Do not mow in reverse unless absotutely necessary+ Always look down and behind before and while backing

°Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not point

it at anyone+ Do not operate the mower without either the entire grass catcher or the guard in place+

=Slow down before turning

°Never leave a running machine unattended Always turn off blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove keys before dismounting+

•Turn off blades when not mowing+

•Stop engine before removing grass catcher or unc!ogging chute

•Mow onty in daylight or good artificial light+

•Do not operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs

•Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways+

•Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into a trailer or truck.

i!. SLOPE OPERATION

machine and the mowing activity+ Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them+

•Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful care of another responsible adu[t

•Be alert and tum machine off if children enter the area

•Before and when backing, look behind and down for small children

•Never carry children They may fail off and be seriously injured or Interfere with safe machine operation

•Never aflow children to operate the machine

•Use extra care when approaching blind corners shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure vision

IV. SERVICE

•Use extra care inhandting gasoline and other fuels They are flammable and vapors are explosive

Use only an approved container

Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine

running Allow engine to cool before refueling Do not smoke

Never refuel the machine indoors+

Never store the machine or fuel container inside where there is an open flame, such as a water heater.

•Never pJn a machine inside a closed area+

°Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment bolts, tight and keep equipment in good condition,

Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and tipover accidents, which can result in severe injury or death All slopes require extra caution+ If you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it

DO:

•Mow up and down slopes, not across+

•Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc+

•Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps Uneven terrain could overturn the machine Tall grass can hide obstacles+

•Use stow speed+ Choose a tow gear so that you wilt not have to stop or shift while on the slope+

•Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for wheel weights or counterweights to improve stability

•Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments+ These can change the stability of the machine

•Keep all movement on the slopes slowand gradual Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction+

•Avoid starting or stopping on a slope if tires lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the slope

°Never tamper with safety devices, Check their proper operation regularly+

•Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel spillage. Allow machine to cool before storing.

•Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object

Repair, if necessary, before restart+ng+

•Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine running.

•Grass catcher componentsare subject towear, damage, and deterioration, which could expose moving parts or allow objects to be thrown. Frequently check components and replace with manufacturer'srecommended parts, when nec- essary

•Mower blades are sharp and can cut+ Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them

•Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as required

Look fOr this symb01t0P0int out im-'"

CAUTION!l! BECOME ALERT!t! YOUR

portant safety precautions. It means

SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

,,,,,,,,mll

DO NOT:

•Do not turnon slopes unless necessary, and then, turn slowly and gradually downhill, if possible+

=Do not mow near drop.offs, ditches, or embankments The mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge of a cliff or ditch, or if an edge caves in.

•Do not mow on wet grass+ Reduced traction could cause sliding+

•Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the ground

•Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes

wire and placewirewhereit cannot contact spark plug in order to prevent accidental

starting when setting up, transporting,

i _ CAUTION: Always disconnect spark plug

adjust!ng or making,repa irs,

...............WARNING &

The engine exhaust from this product con- tains cliemlcals known to the State of Califor-

nia to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.

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